As Europe's temperatures plummet, a new ray of sunshine comes courtesy of W Hotels. The group has just opened a Caribbean outpost on the small island of Vieques, designed by
http://www.patriciaurquiola.com/" target="_blank" >Patricia Urquiola, in collaboration with
http://www.scf-pr.com/" target="_blank" >Sierra Cardona Ferrer Architects. Together, they have given earthy rusticity an elegant, modern rethink, with wood cladding, dark cement floors, geometric screens and - of course - a smattering of
http://www.bebitalia.it/" target="_blank" >B&B Italia furniture designed by Urquiola herself.
Eight miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, Vieques is an island with a colourful past - it was once a stronghold for pirates and also served time as a US naval base. Now free from military shackles, it's a verdant, peaceful island with minimal tourist development - save for the new W Retreat & Spa (the brand's second worldwide), set on a 30-acre stretch, fronting two beaches.
The abundance of wood used throughout the hotel helps it sit comfortably in its surrounds. Inside, Urquiola has adeptly mixed local recycled materials, organic forms and textures with modern brass lighting by the likes of Tom Dixon, her own bespoke furniture for B&B Italia and sofas from Moroso. Bathrooms include a specially designed, oversized Urquiola bathtub, made from painted steel.
There's also a big emphasis on geometry, seen in the fabrics in the living room and the hexagonal screens in the restaurants - of which there are four, under the helm of multi-Michelin-starred French chef, Alain Ducasse. Added to these is a separate spa pavilion, should guests tire themselves out on the beach.
W Retreat & Spa Vieques
The new W Retreat & Spa Vieques is set on a 30-acre stretch of land, fronted by two private beaches
The hotel's design was a collaborative effort between Urquiola Studios and SCF Architects
The pool
Urquiola has mixed natural textures with modern Italian furniture
The reception is clad in reclaimed wood, adorned by local crafts
Guerlain products and holistic treatments await at the Spa Chakra
B&B Italia and Urquiola created bespoke furniture for the hotel
Chic design extends to the waterfront, with an Urquiola daybed
Open-concept bathrooms are fitted with Urquiola-designed steel tubs and rain showers
The architecture frames the expansive views
The small island of Vieques is eight miles off the coast of Puerto Rico
W Vieques features four different restaurants
Menus were devised by Michelin-starred chef, Alain Ducasse
Hexagonal screens extend the graphic theme
The living area includes Field sofas by Urquiola for Moroso
'Beat' lights by Tom Dixon hang above the pool table
